The amount of tax deduction provided for preventive health check-ups introduced last year should be over and above the provision of Rs 15,000 towards the health insurance premium.

NEW DELHI: In its pre-budget 2013 memorandum, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has asked the government to relook at the tax deduction norms for preventive health check-ups.

The amount of tax deduction provided for preventive health check-ups introduced last year should be over and above the provision of Rs 15,000 towards the health insurance premium paid under section 80D, said FICCI.

According to FICCI such a move by the government will 'definitely incentivize' people to undergo a preventive health check-up on a regular basis.

Besides, FICCI has urged for the need to increase the safety net of health insurance in India. One measure that could help is withdrawal of service tax on health insurance premiums, thereby leading to a lowering of cost/premium for the consumer.

Healthcare services are already exempt from service tax, and this benefit should be extended to health insurance premiums, said FICCI.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram will present the Union Budget 2013-14 on February 28.